Windhoek — Namibia is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world and has a rich and spectacular array of terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems.

These resources sustain the livelihoods of the majority of people and contribute significantly to the country's economy. Nonetheless, Namibia's climate change and biodiversity is increasingly threatened by human activities, which in turn threaten the various natural resources base upon which the country depend.

Climate change is a global phenomenon that is being experienced by all levels of society, regardless of race and species, and in all types of ecosystems.

It will have diverse effects on biodiversity, which will directly impact on food security, water supply and livelihood among others, especially for the poor and more vulnerable sectors of human society.

As measures to address environmental sustainability so as to cope with its effects, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism has challenged youths to vigorously pursue programs aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity crises.

Speaking at the Annual Youth into Environment Symposium in Windhoek on Monday this week, the Deputy Minister of Environment and Tourism, Hon Uahekua Herunga said the youth should find out how they can play a more meaningful role in environment, tourism and sustainable development.

According to the Deputy Minister, the symposium is a good platform for Namibian youth to map out strategies on how to feed into the global debate on environmental and sustainability issues thereby ensuring that their views are captured by policy makers.

"Engage in activities and programmes that contribute and make changes in the conservation of biodiversity and the protection of the environment.

"There is need for Namibia as a country to harness the momentum of the International Year of Biodiversity to refocus global attention on biodiversity loss as an economic and human development issue.

"Biodiversity loss, climate change and poverty are inter-related global crises that must be tackled in a systematic manner," Herunga said.

Topics discussed at the symposium includes biodiversity and conservation, climate change issues and its relevance to Namibia, environment and sustainable development, bio-technology, bio-safety and bio-ethics as well as traditional knowledge systems.

A number of natural science advisory teachers and grade 11 students from selected schools attended the symposium.